The Nebraska Cornhuskers open NIT play against New Mexico with a 9:05pm tip, Nebraska time. The Huskers will be playing with a banged up Ade Dagundaro who is still feeling the effects of a knee bruise he suffered in the Big 12 game against Baylor.
NU will try to keep up with the Lobos’ explosive offensive attack behind Dagunduro, a third-team All-Big 12 selection, and junior Ryan Anderson. Dagunduro has averaged 17.6 points on 58.5 percent (31-of-53) shooting over the past five games with 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game. Anderson has posted 10.6 points and 2.3 assists per game in that span while hitting 53 percent from the field.
Nebraska opens its 16th appearance in the NIT on the road for just the sixth time in the first round. The Huskers will try to improve on their 3-2 first-round road record by utilizing one of the top scoring defenses in the country. Despite being the shortest team in Division I, the Cornhuskers earned an 8-8 record in the Big 12 Conference (18-12 record overall) by allowing just 59.4 points per game this season (17th nationally), including a Big 12-leading 62.4 ppg in league-only games. The stingy Huskers have held opponents below 70 points 25 times this season, including 12 times against conference teams (8-4 record).
Listen below to Doc Sadler as he talks about making two post season appearances in his first three years as well as opening on the road playing in a place like the Pit.